Birmingham Man, 31, Fatally Shot in Ensley After Verbal Dispute Turns Deadly
In the quiet hours just before midnight on May 18, 2025, the Ensley neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama, was shattered by the sound of gunfire, leaving a community in mourning and a family grieving the loss of 31-year-old Literrance Leon Bratton. The young Birmingham resident, known to those close to him as a vibrant presence, was fatally shot in what authorities describe as a tragic escalation of a verbal dispute. His death marks yet another somber chapter in the city’s ongoing struggle with gun violence, as police work diligently to piece together the circumstances that led to this devastating outcome.
The incident unfolded at approximately 11:53 p.m. in the 2700 block of 30th Street, a residential area in Ensley where neighbors are accustomed to the hum of daily life rather than the chaos of violence. According to the Birmingham Police Department, an officer stationed nearby heard the distinct sound of gunfire and quickly responded, spotting a vehicle speeding away from the scene. The officer initiated a brief pursuit, which ended near Aaron Aronov Drive and Valley Road in Fairfield, a short distance from the initial incident. One suspect was apprehended without resistance and taken into custody, now held at Birmingham City Jail under a 48-hour felony extension as investigators continue their work.
Literrance Leon Bratton was rushed to UAB Hospital, the region’s premier medical facility, where medical staff fought to save his life. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at 1:08 a.m. on May 19, 2025, leaving behind a void for his family and friends. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed his identity, and while little has been shared publicly about Bratton’s life, those who knew him are undoubtedly grappling with the sudden loss of a man in the prime of his years.
Preliminary findings from the Birmingham Police Department suggest that the shooting stemmed from a heated verbal altercation between Bratton and the suspect, though the specific nature of their relationship or the dispute remains undisclosed. What began as words exchanged in the night escalated into a fatal encounter, a sequence of events all too familiar in a city that has seen its share of violence. Birmingham has recorded 30 homicides in 2025 alone, a stark reminder of the challenges facing the community. Last year, the city reported 160 homicides, one of the highest rates in recent history, underscoring the urgency of addressing the root causes of such tragedies.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released pending further investigation, remains in custody as detectives work to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, either directly to the Birmingham Police Department or anonymously through Crime Stoppers, emphasizing the critical role community cooperation plays in resolving such cases. The investigation is ongoing, with officers meticulously combing through details to ensure justice for Bratton and his loved ones.
This incident is not an isolated one in Ensley, a neighborhood that has seen multiple shootings in recent months. Just two months prior, on March 15, 2025, 27-year-old Lemijamin Jarquis Watters was found fatally shot at the intersection of Avenue E and 16th Street, a mere mile from where Bratton lost his life. The recurrence of violence in this area has left residents shaken, prompting renewed calls for community-based solutions and stronger measures to curb gun violence.
As Birmingham mourns Literrance Leon Bratton, the city faces a broader reckoning with the factors driving such senseless losses. From economic disparities to the proliferation of firearms, the challenges are complex, but the human toll is undeniable. For now, a family grieves, a suspect awaits justice, and a community hopes for answers that might prevent another life from being cut short. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Birmingham Police Department at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777, as every detail could bring closure to those left behind.
